Develop Awards: Top honours split wide open

In a busy hall at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton last night, the fifth annual Develop Industry Excellence Awards recognised a huge cross-section of talent from all over the European development sector.

Among the award-winning studios and companies present, Unity Technologies took two trophies. The first was for Technical Innovation – specifically in the Unity Engine – and the second was the highly desired Grand Prix, given for outstanding contributions to the sector as a whole.

London-based Rocksteady Studios also walked away with two awards. It took Best Use of a Licence or IP for the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum, and the In-House Studio award for its achievements under now-parent firm Warner Bros.

In-vogue French studio Quantic Dream also did well, winning Best New IP for million-selling title Heavy Rain, and the Independent Studio gong for its myriad successes as an unaffiliated games developer.

Reflecting the shifting nature of the modern industry, new indie studio Hello Games took two honours also. It won Best New Studio and the Micro Studio award for its blistering work put into its debut title Joe Danger.

Also, Rovio took home the Best New Download IP for the wildly popular title Angry Birds.

Elsewhere, Jagex’s Gower brothers took the Development Legends awards for their role in creating the most successful British studio in operation today.

Another winner of note was Channel 4, receiving the Publishing Hero prize for the sterling work of the broadcaster’s education department in funding casual and online titles from a wide array of UK indie studios over the past few years.

“This year's role-call of winners is truly impressive,” said Michael French, editor of Develop. "Despite the challenges and changes currently making things very tough for the development sector across the globe, those who have taken home awards tonight have demonstrated the resilience and talent that continues to thrive in the UK and Europe.

"The 2010 list of nominees was incredibly strong, making the accomplishments of these companies and individuals even more impressive. We'd like to offer our congratulations to all the winners and the other finalists."